24 Nov Punk Rock Gratitude by Jackie Perez
“We can be happy and fulfilled with or without money, with or without a partner, with or without the approval of others” (It Works How and Why pg. 81). That excerpt is probably the most punk-rock thing I’ve read in my life and got me through my early recovery. I call those the dark days of recovery. I am a spiritual, not religious, person with a profound and intense relationship with God. Twelve Step fellowships are so cool in that we have an entire Step dedicated to connecting with God and the Universe. We get to connect with God, ourselves, and others through our 12-Steps and 12-Traditions. Unity is my favorite spiritual principle and is written in our first Tradition. My disease breeds in my self-centeredness and has sought to destroy my love and connection with others. I encourage newcomers not to be too punk-rock for gratitude and don’t be too punk-rock for God!